Hamad's tobacco empire collapses into gang warfare
Since imprisoned kingpin Kaz Hamad's jailing in July, his multibillion-dollar tobacco and drug network has fractured into violent factions fighting for control.
Reported by The Sydney Morning HeraldAlso reported by The Age, WAtoday.Claims checked against the source, 11 h ago.
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The collapse shows how quickly organised crime networks destabilise when their leader falls, and the violence spilling into suburbs signals escalating risk for ordinary people caught nearby.
In Australia. Melbourne and regional Australian communities are seeing a surge in underworld shootings and firebombings as the illicit tobacco trade breaks into open warfare.
Key facts
- $5000 per shop
- Monthly cartel tax
- Estimated minimum 200 members
- Commission membership
- November 3, 4am gun battle
- Hadfield shooting
- The organised crime gang The Commission is suspected behind at least two murders, three shootings and multiple arson attacks as Hamad's lieutenants scramble for power.
- Hamad was jailed for life in Iraq in July after being arrested by Iraqi authorities working with Australian police.
- Hamad's cartel had controlled thousands of tobacco shops across Australia, each paying $5000 monthly in 'tax' to sell discounted black-market cigarettes.
- A family running one of the largest distribution networks has been targeted twice in drive-by shootings since September, including one November 3 gun battle in Hadfield.
- A dump truck was parked in front of the home as a protective screen.
- Police suspect the violence reflects a dispute over profits and territory now that Hamad's iron-fisted control has vanished.
- One underworld source said: 'There's no one really in control anymore, and it's all breaking down.'
